Early voting begins on campus this week

The flash mob that took over the Library mall last week, shown at left, gave a strong message: Vote!

UT Arlington is an early voting site 7 a.m.-7 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 2, for the Tuesday, Nov. 6, general election. The polling site is inside the entrance at the Maverick Activities Center.

To vote early on campus, you must be registered to vote in Tarrant
County and must present identification—voter registration certificate
or alternate ID such as a driver's license, birth certificate,
passport, U.S. citizenship papers, a current utility bill, bank
statement, government check, or other government document.

A Celebration of Service recognizes veterans Nov. 7

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks ('71 BBA) is the keynote
speaker for Veterans Day: A Celebration of Service 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7.
Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, executive director of the UT
Arlington Research Institute, will also provide remarks. The program
begins at 4 p.m.

Students, faculty, and staff who have veteran or active
military status will be recognized for their
dedication and service. The event, in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the
E.H. Hereford University Center, includes a flag ceremony,
presentations,
music, refreshments, and more.

Franks
retired from active duty in 2003 as the commander of the United States
Central
Command. He was the general leading the attack on the Taliban in
Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon in 2001. He also led the 2003 invasion of Iraq
and the overthrow of President Saddam Hussein.

Family fun

Dads and sons, mothers and daughters, families and students shared an informational and plain ol' fun time during Parent and Family Weekend. More than 840 family members joined students for tours, lectures, glass-blowing demonstrations, meals and some Halloween fun at the Fall Festival and Concert. See more photos.

Vote today in Homecoming, Student Congress elections

Polls are open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. in the Palo Duro Lounge and 5-9 p.m. in the Connection
Cafe. Both are in the E.H. Hereford University Center.

University selected for robotics competition

Students and faculty from UT Arlington have been selected to partner with
Pittsburgh-based RE2 and Michigan-based Soar Technology to compete in a
major national robotics competition supported by the Defense
Department’s research arm.

The
Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s Robotics Challenge selected
18 teams for the competition, which runs through 2014. UT Arlington was
one of 11 teams selected for DARPA funding to develop software that will
run in a government-provided simulation environment. The goal of the
program is to develop, build, and demonstrate innovative robotics
technologies to aid in disaster response operations when conditions are
deemed too dangerous for humans.

The
research will take place at the UT Arlington Research Institute.
Retired Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch is the executive director of the institute.
He recently was named a consultant and member of the RE2 Advisory Board.

Gambling goblins

Odd couples were part of the costumed fun at the annual Halloween Casino Night last Thursday in the Bluebonnet Ballroom of the E.H. Hereford University Center. Student Affairs and Campus Recreation sponsored the event. See more spooky scenes.

Trick or treat with the Greeks

Bring the family and enjoy Halloween when fraternity and sorority
chapters provide games, activities, and candy. Order of Omega sponsors the treats.

The free fun is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, on
Greek Row between Davis Drive and Summit Avenue.

Day of the Dead awareness on campus

Separate fact from fiction about Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead,
noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The
actual holiday is Thursday, Nov. 1, each year.

Celebrated in Mexico and many Latino countries, the holiday gathers
family and friends to pray for and commemorate loved ones who have passed away. According to beliefs, the dead return on this day to the land of the living
to savor the foods they once enjoyed. The traditions include building private
altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite
foods and beverages of the departed.

A procession starts at noon on the University Center mall and ends at the Library
mall. Sign a banner with the names of departed friends and family. Place a
picture of your late loved ones by 11 a.m. at the altar on the Library mall.

Check out the checkups at Interactive Health Expo

Can
you name the seven components of wellness? If not, learn how they play
an important role in a well-balanced life at the Interactive Health Expo. The free event is 11 a.m.-2
p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, in the Palo Duro Lounge of the E.H. Hereford University Center.

Sustaining terrariums

Logan
Grimes, left, biology junior, shows Jordan Galindo, biology senior, how
terrariums are made at the Campus Sustainability Day last Wednesday. An
e-waste education session, bicycle tuneups, tours of The Green at
College Park, and a food drive highlighted the sustainability
activities.

Represent UT Arlington at higher education boards

Student Congress is looking for applicants for student
representatives to the UT System Board of Regents and the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board. These positions voice the student perspective on
major issues concerning higher education.

Applications can be found at uta.edu/sc
and are due by Friday, Nov. 9,
to the Student Congress office in Room B150 of the E.H. Hereford University
Center. For more information, email sc-extr@uta.edu or call 817-272-0556.

Pivot now available for research

Pivot,
an online system that connects research interests with funding
opportunities, is now available through Grant and Contract Services in
the Office of Research Administration.

See how searches, funding alerts, and connecting with collaborators can turn into success with Pivot. Use your UT Arlington email address to register for an account.

Blue and orange

Display your work at GIS Day

Showcase your Geographic Information Systems research at GIS Day 2012 noon-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in the sixth floor parlor of the Central Library. GIS Day is a global event to educate people about the variety of GIS uses.

Kate
Holliday, assistant professor of architecture, will speak noon-1 p.m.
on "Mapping DFW: Exploring Architectural History Using GIS." Try your
hand at geocaching at 4 p.m. on the Library mall. See examples of
spatial analysis and maps, and enjoy prizes, food, and a giant GIS Day
cake.

To showcase your work register online, or for more information, contact Joshua Been at 817-272-5826.

Applicants needed by Saturday for Maverick Orientation Leaders

Candidates should have great communication skills, excellent leadership qualities,
display Maverick pride, and have a positive attitude. Applicants are
required to be a full-time undergraduate student, have a minimum GPA of
2.5, and be in good standing with the University.

Applications deadline
is Saturday, Nov. 3.

Breakfast sampler

Rebecca Durr, education junior, appreciated the morning offerings during a recent Commuter Breakfast event hosted by the Off-Campus Mavericks, a department of Student Affairs. She drives to campus from Irving.

Library needs your opinions and ideas

The
Library is conducting research to examine better ways for students and
faculty to find books, journal articles, and other materials needed for
coursework and research.

Homecoming volunteers wanted

Homecoming 2012
needs committed, engaged volunteers to work behind the scenes and
ensure that the Maverick spirit is at an all-time high during the events.

Register
to help with the Homecoming Chili Bowl, the Party on Pecan, the
Afterparty, the 5K walk/run, and other events at Homecoming Volunteers.

Lighten up Homecoming with parade entry; deadline Nov. 7

Light up the night at this fall's Homecoming parade with "illumination" as the theme. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16.

Faculty,
staff, and student groups are invited to light up their floats, golf
carts, or walking entries for the parade. Entries are due Wednesday, Nov. 7. There will be prizes of $300, $200, and $100 for the top entries.

For more information, see Homecoming parade or contact University Events at 817-272-2963.

Influenza vaccine offered through Health Services

Flu shots are now available for $20 at Health
Services. No appointment is needed. Leave your cash at
home and charge to your MyMav account.

Don't have time to visit
the health center? Stop by the flu shot outreach clinic 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, on the Library mall.

Benefit car show needs entries

Great cars are needed for the Second Annual Cars for Cook Children's Car Show, hosted by Kappa Delta Pi. The show is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in Lot 49.

Registration is $8 for students and $12 for others. Cash prizes go to three Best in Show categories.

For the $5 admission, attendees can find some awesome cars, food, drink, and one raffle ticket for an autographed Dirk Nowitzki photograph, gift cards, and more. The family-friendly
event includes bounce houses, face painting, a live DJ, and more.

Spring registration opens Nov. 5; see your adviser now

Check your Student Center in MyMav to see if you need to meet with your academic adviser before registering. A list of advising offices is online. Call to schedule an appointment or check walk-in hours.

Six-course-drop alert, check implications before you drop

The last drop date for the fall 2012 term is Wednesday, Oct. 31. If you entered a Texas public college or university in fall 2007 or later, you are limited to dropping six courses in the span of your undergraduate career. For exceptions to this policy and more information, go to the undergraduate catalog and the Six Course Drop Limit procedures page.

Grade exclusion site closes Wednesday

All grade exclusion
requests for the fall 2012 semester must be submitted by the last day to drop a course, which is
Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Print your own enrollment verification

Enrollment verification for the fall
semester is available online. To print your verification, log on to MyMav, go
to Student Center, and click on Request Enrollment Verification to access the
National Student Loan Clearinghouse.

Diversity of India explored at lectures

Nila
Veerabathina, senior lecturer of physics, hosts the event. Speakers
include Krishnan Rajeshwar, distinguished professor of chemistry and
biochemistry; Melia Belli, assistant professor of art and art history;
Karabi Bezboruah, assistant professor of public administration; Ritu
Khanduri, assistant professor of sociology and anthropology; and Shelley
Smith, professor and chair of the Department of Sociology and
Anthropology.

A
reception and book signing follow 4-5 p.m. in the sixth floor atrium
for photographer Robert Arnett, whose collection of images highlighting
the diversity of India and its
various regions is on display in the parlor. The exhibit, India Unveiled, continues through Jan. 5, 2013.

The
event is free. Among the sponsors are the Department of Sociology and
Anthropology and the Library. For more information, contact Dr.
Veerabathina at nilakshi@uta.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Dia de los Muertos Learn more about Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Library mall. Sigma Lambda Beta, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Trick or Treat with the Greeks Bring the family and enjoy Halloween when fraternity and sorority
chapters provide games, activities, and candy. Free. 5:30-7:30 p.m.,
Greek Row between Davis Drive and Summit Avenue. Order of Omega, Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Coming Up

Veterans Day: A Celebration of Service Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tommy Franks ('71 BBA), right, is the keynote speaker
with more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff who have veteran or
active military status honored. RSVP by email or call 817-272-5300. Watch your email for invitations sent directly to veterans and active duty personnel. 3:30-5 p.m., program
4 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 7, Bluebonnet Ballroom, E.H. Hereford University Center. Office of the President.

International Education Week Includes World Trivia Night, which tests teams on their knowledge of
various countries and cultures around the world. Register by Monday, Nov. 5. International Education Week is Nov. 12-16. World Trivia Night is 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, Palo Duro Lounge, E.H. Hereford University Center. International Education, Study Abroad.

Homecoming 5K Run The first Homecoming 5K is a
way for UT Arlington supporters to actively tour campus and the surrounding
community. Register. Saturday, Nov. 17. Homecoming, Campus Recreation.

Ongoing

Pink Ribbon Run Run on the pink treadmill at the Maverick Activities Center, and for each mile 10 cents will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Through Wednesday, Oct. 31. Campus Recreation.

Presidential Campaigns and Memorabilia More than 150 U.S. presidential buttons, from the 1896 election of William McKinley to the current 2012 campaign, are included in the collection of UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo. Free. Through Monday, Nov. 12, first floor lobby, Central Library. An exhibit of political cartoons is on the second floor.

Pearls of the Antilles: Printed Maps of Caribbean Islands A look at maps and how they reflect and shaped the histories of Caribbean islands. Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, sixth floor parlor, Central Library. Through Feb. 9, 2013. Special Collections.

Planetarium The beauty of a starlit sky conceals the violent forces at work within our universe in Violent Universe. 1:30 p.m. Sundays. Planetarium.

Science Week A week-long celebration of the College of Science and the achievements of students, alumni, and faculty. Through Friday, Nov. 2. Science.

Wednesday, Oct. 31

Learner Motivation and Communication Skills Pertaining to Learning Learn your motivational style and how to apply it to learning. Examine
various forms of communication from the perspective of the student and
the teacher or tutor. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 101, College Hall. University College, Success Series.

Thursday, Nov. 1

Biology Colloquium Series Patrick Phillips, a biology professor and associate vice president for
research at the University of Oregon, discusses "Stress and Death: A
Nematode Model System for Molecular Quantitative Genomics." Free. 4
p.m., Room 119, Life Science Building. Biology.

Friday, Nov. 2

Entrepreneurship in the Arts Jeff Fraley, founder of Trinity Films, discusses his experiences as a
documentary filmmaker and the development of his business. Free. 1 p.m.,
Room 148, Fine Arts Building. Art and Art History.

Tuesday, Nov. 6

Backpacks to Briefcases Explore the different facets involved in the transition from
learning about your new employers' expectations to grasping the
responsibility shift that occurs when moving from a college setting to a
workplace setting. Free. Noon-1 p.m., Room 216, Davis Hall. Career Center.

Golfers second at UT El Paso meet

McConnell
finished tied for fourth with a three-under-par 213 for the tournament.

Volleyball back home this week

It’s
like old home week as the Maverick volleyballers host two teams that moved with
them from the Southland Conference to the Western Athletic Conference when they
take on UT San Antonio at 7 p.m. Thursday,
Nov. 1, and Texas State at 2 p.m. Saturday,
Nov. 3, at College Park Center.

Thursday
is Fan Appreciation Night and Saturday is Jersey Day. Free posters will be
given away as the semester of free books contest continues.

The
Mavericks lost matches at Utah State and San Jose State last week.

TrailBlazer is published by the Department of University Communications on Tuesdays during the fall and spring semesters, and every other Tuesday during the summer. To submit items for possible inclusion in TrailBlazer, email trailblazer@uta.edu. Items must be received three working days before distribution. Inclusion of events and activities in TrailBlazer does not necessarily constitute an endorsement by the University. Read the TrailBlazer Guidelines.